Inhalation component generating device, control circuit, and control method and control program of inhalation component generating device

ABSTRACT

An inhalation component generating device includes: a power supply; a load that evaporates or atomizes an inhalation component source by power from the power supply; and a control circuit that performs control based on an output of a temperature sensor. The control circuit performs: a process (a) of calculating power supply temperature on the basis of the output of the temperature sensor; and a process (b1) of determining whether the power supply temperature is in a first temperature range, and performing deterioration diagnosis on the power supply only in a case where the power supply temperature is in the range.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/592,439 filed on Oct. 3, 2019, which claims the benefit ofpriority from Japanese patent application No. 2018-189511, filed on Oct.4, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an inhalation component generatingdevice, a control circuit, and a control method and a control program ofthe inhalation component generating device, and particularly, to aninhalation component generating device, a control circuit, and a controlmethod and a control program of the inhalation component generatingdevice capable of performing deterioration diagnosis on a power supplyat an appropriate timing, thereby improving the accuracy ofdeterioration diagnosis.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, instead of traditional cigarettes, inhalation componentgenerating devices for generating an inhalation component by evaporatingor atomizing a flavor source such as tobacco or an aerosol source havebeen proposed. Such an inhalation component generating devices has aload for evaporating or atomizing a flavor source and/or an aerosolsource, a power supply for supplying power to the load, a controlcircuit for performing operation control on the device, and so on.

With respect to determination on the degree of battery consumption ofsuch a device, for example, in Patent Literature 1, a technology fordetermining whether battery exchange is necessary, and the like on thebasis of the amount of change in voltage during discharge is disclosed.Also, in Patent Literature 2, a method of appropriately determiningwhether to perform charging of the battery of an aerosol generatingdevice, and what charging rate charging will be performed at, and so on,on the basis of the ambient temperature of a charging device isdisclosed.

[Patent Literature 1] JP-A-2017-514463

[Patent Literature 2] JP-A-2017-518733

Patent Literature 1 discloses the technology for determining whetherbattery exchange is necessary by measuring battery voltage as describedabove, which is a technology related to deterioration estimation on abattery, however in Patent Literature 1, the relation betweenperformance of deterioration estimation and the range of temperature isnot disclosed at all.

Also, in Patent Literature 2, a technology for setting some temperatureranges in advance, and determining to or not to perform charging andperforming change of the charging rate on the basis of the relation withthose temperature ranges is disclosed; however, this technology is notfocused on the relation between performance of deterioration estimationand the range of temperature, either.

Meanwhile, the inventors of this application found that it is difficultto discriminate between a decrease in the output of a power supplyattributable to deterioration of the power supply and a decrease in theoutput of the power supply in the case where the temperature of thepower supply is not appropriate, on the basis of earnest examination. Onthe basis of this knowledge, the inventors of this application furtherfound that if deterioration diagnosis is performed only in the casewhere the temperature of the power supply is within a certain range, theaccuracy of deterioration diagnosis drastically improves. Therefore, anobject of the present invention is to provide an inhalation componentgenerating device, a control circuit, and a control method and a controlprogram of the inhalation component generating device capable ofperforming deterioration diagnosis on a power supply at an appropriatetiming, thereby improving the accuracy of deterioration diagnosis.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an inhalationcomponent generating device comprising: a power supply; a load thatevaporates or atomizes an inhalation component source by power from thepower supply; and a control circuit that performs control based on anoutput of a temperature sensor, wherein the control circuit performs: aprocess (a) of calculating power supply temperature based on the outputof the temperature sensor; and a process (b) of determining whether thepower supply temperature is in a first temperature range, and performingdeterioration diagnosis on the power supply only in a case where thepower supply temperature is in the range.

(Description of Terms)

The term “inhalation component generating device” may mean a device forgenerating an inhalation component by evaporating or atomizing a flavorsource such as tobacco or an aerosol source, or may be a single-housingproduct, or may be a device consisting of a plurality of components(units) which can be connected to be used as one product.

The term “power supply” means a unit for serving as the source ofelectric energy, and includes a battery, a capacitor, and so on. As thebattery, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ionsecondary battery can be used. The secondary battery may be a batteryincluding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separatorseparating the positive electrode and the negative electrode from eachother, and an electrolytic solution or an ionic liquid. The electrolyteor the ionic liquid may be, for example, a solution containing anelectrolyte. In the lithium-ion secondary battery, the positiveelectrode is made of a positive electrode material such as lithiumoxide, and the negative electrode is made of a negative electrodematerial such as graphite. The electrolytic solution may be, forexample, an organic solvent containing a lithium salt. Examples of thecapacitor include an electric double-layer capacitor and so on. However,the power supply is not limited to them, and any other secondary batterysuch as a nickel-hydride secondary battery, a primary battery, or thelike may be used.

The term “load” means a component which consumes energy in an electriccircuit, and is especially used in this application to indicate acomponent for mainly generating an inhalation component. In the load, aheating means such as a heat generator is included, and for example, anelectric resistance heat generator, an induction heating (IH) means, andso on can be included. Also, a means for generating an inhalationcomponent by an ultrasonic wave, a means for generating an inhalationcomponent by a piezoelectric element, an atomizer, and so on can beincluded. In the case where the load is referred to as being a “loadgroup”, besides a load for generating an inhalation component, othercomponents such as an element for producing light, sound, vibration, orthe like can be included in the load group. In the case where acommunication module and so on are provided, they can be included in theload group. Meanwhile, a microcomputer and so on in an electric circuitare strictly elements which obtain energy by applying a very smallcurrent; however, in this application, it is assumed that they are notincluded in the load group.

The term “aerosol” means a dispersion of fine liquid or solid particlesin the air.

With respect to a “deterioration diagnosis function”, in general,examples of battery deterioration include a decrease in capacity and anincrease in resistance. The deterioration diagnosis function may be, forexample, a function of acquiring the voltage value of the power supplyfor diagnosis of a decrease in capacity, and determining whether theacquired value is equal to or larger than the lower limit value of apredetermined reference range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating theconfiguration of an inhalation component generating device according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the externalappearance of the inhalation component generating device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof the inhalation component generating device.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internalconfiguration of a cartridge unit.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of theinternal configuration of the cartridge unit.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the electric circuit of the inhalationcomponent generating device (in the state where a power supply unit andthe cartridge unit are connected).

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the cartridge unit and acharger configured to be attachable to and detachable from the powersupply unit.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the electric circuit of the inhalationcomponent generating device (in the state where the power supply unitand the charger are connected).

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the relation between voltage which isapplied to a load and an inhaling action.

FIG. 10 is a view schematically illustrating the relation between theoutput value of an inhalation sensor and voltage which is applied to theload.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a specific operation example of theinhalation component generating device.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating some temperature ranges for power supplytemperature and operation control corresponding thereto.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example of deteriorationdiagnosis.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating another specific operation exampleof the inhalation component generating device.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence which is performed whentemperature is abnormal.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a sequence which is performedduring battery deterioration.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a charging operation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below withreference to the drawings. However, specific structures and electriccircuits to be described below are merely examples of the presentinvention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to them.Also, hereinafter, structural parts basically having the same functionwill be described with the same reference symbol or reference symbolscorresponding to each other; however, for ease of explanation, sometimesthe reference symbols will be omitted. Although the configurations ofsome parts of a device are different between a certain drawing and otherdrawings, it should be noted that they are not essential differences inthe present invention and every configuration can be used.

1. Configuration of Device

An inhalation component generating device 100 of the present embodimentincludes a power supply unit 110, and a cartridge unit 120 configured tobe attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit, as shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, an example in which thepower supply unit 110 and the cartridge unit 120 are separatelyconfigured is shown; however, as the inhalation component generatingdevice of the present invention, they may be integrally configured.

The overall shape of the inhalation component generating device 100 isnot particularly limited, and may have various shapes. For example, asshown in FIG. 2, the inhalation component generating device may be madesuch that the overall shape becomes a rod shape. Specifically, theinhalation component generating device 100 becomes a single rod shapewhen the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge unit 120 are connectedin the axial direction. If the overall shape of the device is made asingle rod shape as described above, a user can perform inhalation likethe user smokes a traditional cigarette. In the example of FIG. 2, anend part shown on the right side is an inhalation port part 142, and atthe opposite end part, a light emitting unit 40 for emitting lightaccording to the operation state of the device and so on is provided.The inhalation component generating device may be configured such thatthe user attaches a mouthpiece (not shown in the drawings) to theinhalation port part 142 for use and perform inhalation. The specificdimensions of the device are not particularly limited, and as anexample, the diameter may be about 15 mm to 25 mm, and the total lengthmay be about 50 mm to 150 mm, such that the user can use the device witha hand.

(Power Supply Unit)

The power supply unit 110 includes a case member 119, a power supply 10installed in the case member, an inhalation sensor 20, a control circuit50, and so on, as shown in FIG. 1. The power supply unit 110 furtherinclude a push button 30 and the light emitting unit 40. However, notall of these individual elements are necessarily essential components ofthe inhalation component generating device 100, and one or more elementsmay be omitted. Also, one or more elements may be provided in thecartridge unit 120, not in the power supply unit 110.

The case member 119 may be a cylindrical member, and although itsmaterial is not particularly limited, the case member may be made of ametal or a resin.

The power supply 10 may be a rechargeable secondary battery such as alithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel hydride battery (Ni-MH). Thepower supply 10 may be a primary battery or a capacitor instead of asecondary battery. The power supply 10 may be a power supply provided inthe power supply unit 110 so as to be exchangeable, or may be a powersupply built in the power supply unit by assembling. The number of powersupplies 10 may be one or more.

The inhalation sensor 20 may be a sensor for outputting a predeterminedoutput value (for example, a voltage value or a current value), forexample, according to the flow and/or flow rate of gas which passesthere. This inhalation sensor 20 is used to detect a user's puffingaction (inhaling action). As the inhalation sensor 20, various sensorscan be used, and for example, a capacitor microphone sensor, a flowsensor, or the like can be used.

The push button 30 is a button which can be operated by the user.Although the button is referred to as the push button, the button is notlimited to a component having a button part which moves when it ispushed, and may be an input device such as a touch button. Thearrangement position of the push button 30 also is not particularlylimited, and the push button may be provided at an arbitrary position onthe housing of the inhalation component generating device 100. As anexample, the push button 30 may be provided on the side surface of thecase member 119 of the power supply unit 110 such that the user caneasily operate it. A plurality of push buttons 30 (input devices forreceiving inputs from the user) may be provided.

The light emitting unit 40 includes one or more light sources (forexample, LEDs), and is configured to emit light in a predeterminedpattern at a predetermined timing. For example, in an embodiment, it ispreferable that the light emitting unit be configured to emit light in aplurality of colors. Examples of the functions of the light emittingunit 40 include a function of notifying the user of the operation statusof the device, a function of notifying the user of occurrence of anabnormality if the abnormality occurs, and so on. Also, in considerationof those functions, as a notifying device which is provided in theinhalation component generating device 100, besides the light emittingunit, for example, one of a vibration device for producing vibration, anaudio device for producing sound, a display device for displayingpredetermined information, and so on, or a combination of them may beused. As an example, the light emitting unit 40 may be provided at anend part of the power supply unit 110. In the inhalation componentgenerating device 100, if the light emitting unit 40 provided at theopposite end part to the end part where the inhalation port part 142 isprovided emits light according to a user's puffing action, the user caneasily inhale an inhalation component like the user smokes a traditionalcigarette.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configurationof the inhalation component generating device. As shown in FIG. 3, theinhalation component generating device 100 includes a temperature sensor61, a voltage sensor 62, and so on, besides the above-mentionedcomponents.

The temperature sensor 61 is a sensor for acquiring or estimating thetemperature of a predetermined object provided in the inhalationcomponent generating device 100. The temperature sensor 61 may be asensor for measuring the temperature of the power supply 10, or may be asensor for measuring the temperature of an object different from thepower supply 10. Also, instead of preparing a dedicated temperaturesensor, for example, a temperature detector assembled in a predeterminedcomponent of the electric circuit may be used. A specific process basedon the output of the temperature sensor 61 will be described below. Asthe temperature sensor 61, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, aresistance thermometer, an IC temperature sensor, or the like can beused; however, the temperature sensor is not limited thereto. The numberof temperature sensors 61 is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

The voltage sensor 62 is a sensor for measuring power supply voltage asan example. A sensor for measuring predetermined voltage other than thevoltage of the power supply may be provided. A specific process based onthe output of the voltage sensor 62 will be described below. The numberof voltage sensors 62 also is not limited to one, and may be two ormore.

The inhalation component generating device 100 may further include aradio communication device (not shown in the drawings) and/or acommunication port (not shown in the drawings) for making a connectionwith an external device possible, and so on according to the needs. Forexample, the inhalation component generating device may be configuredsuch that information on the status of the power supply, information oninhalation, and so on can be transmitted to an external device via them.

(Cartridge Unit)

The cartridge unit 120 is a unit having an inhalation component sourcetherein, and includes a case member 129, a reservoir 123, a flavor unit130, a load 125 for evaporating or atomizing the inhalation componentsource, and so on, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. However, not all ofthe above-mentioned elements are necessarily essential components of theinhalation component generating device 100. Particularly, in the presentembodiment, an example in which both of the reservoir 123 for generatingan aerosol and the flavor unit 130 for generating a flavor component (tobe described below in detail) are provided will be described; however,only one of them may be provided.

According to the general function of the cartridge unit 120, as anexample, first, as a first stage, an aerosol source contained in thereservoir 123 is evaporated or atomized by the operation of the load125. Subsequently, as a second stage, the generated aerosol flows in theflavor unit 130, such that a smoking flavor component is added, and isfinally inhaled by the mouth of the user.

The case member 129 (see FIG. 4) may be a cylindrical member, andalthough its material is not particularly limited, the case member maybe made of a metal or a resin. The cross section shape of the casemember 129 may be the same as that of the case member 119 of the powersupply unit 110. It has been described that the cartridge unit 120 canbe connected to the power supply unit 110. Specifically, as an example,a connection part 121 provided at one end of the cartridge unit 120 maybe physical connected to a connection part 111 provided at one end ofthe power supply unit 110. In FIG. 4, the connection part 121 is shownas a screw part; however, the present invention is not necessarilylimited thereto. Instead of a connection using the screw parts, theconnection part 111 and the connection part 121 may be magneticallyjoined. When the connection parts 111 and 121 are connected, theelectric circuit in the power supply unit 110 and the electric circuitin the cartridge unit 120 may be electrically connected (which will bedescribed in detail).

Inside the connection part 121, as shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical memberto form an inflow hole for introducing air into the unit is provided soas to extend in the axial direction of the case member 129. Also, at theconnection part 121, one or more holes 121 b are formed so as to extendin the radial direction, such that the outside air can be introducedthrough the hole 121 b. The inflow hole may be formed in the connectionpart 111 of the power supply unit 110, not in the connection part 121 ofthe cartridge unit 120. Alternatively, inflow holes may be provided inboth of the connection part 111 of the power supply unit 110 and theconnection part 121 of the cartridge unit 120.

The reservoir 123 is a storage member for storing the aerosol sourcewhich is liquid at room temperature. The reservoir 123 may be a porousmember which is made of a material such as a resin web. As the aerosolsource, a source which is solid at room temperature also can be used.Herein, the form in which the aerosol source is stored in the reservoir123 will be mainly described; however, in the reservoir 123, a flavorsource may be stored.

As the aerosol source, for example, a polyhydric alcohol called glycerinor propylene glycol, water, and so on can be used. The aerosol sourcemay not contain any flavor component. Alternatively, the aerosol sourcemay contain a tobacco raw material or an extract separated from atobacco raw material, which emits a smoking flavor component when it isheated.

As an example, the load 125 may be a heating element such as a heater,an ultrasonic element for generating, for example, fine droplets by anultrasonic wave, or the like. Examples of the heating element include aheating resistor (for example, a heating wire), a ceramic heater, aninduction heating type heater, and so on. However, the load 125 may be aload for generating the flavor component from the flavor source.

The structure around the reservoir 123 will be described in more detail.In the example of FIG. 4, a wick 122 is provided so as to be in contactwith the reservoir 123, and the load 125 is provided so as to surround apart of the wick 122. The wick 122 is a member for sucking the aerosolsource from the reservoir 123 using capillarity. The wick 122 may be,for example, glass fiber, a porous ceramic, or the like. When the partof the wick 122 is heated, the aerosol source stored therein isevaporated or atomized. Also, in an embodiment in which a flavor sourceis stored in the reservoir 123, the flavor source is evaporated oratomized.

In the example of FIG. 4, as the load 125, a heating wire formed in aspiral shape is provided. However, the load 125 is not necessarilylimited to a specific shape as long as it can generate the inhalationcomponent, and can be formed in an arbitrary shape.

The flavor unit 130 is a unit having the flavor source stored therein.As a specific configuration, various configurations can be used, and theflavor unit is not particularly limited. For example, as the flavor unit130, an exchangeable cartridge may be provided. In the example of FIG.4, the flavor unit 130 has a cylindrical member 131 in which the flavorsource is filled. More specifically, this cylindrical member 131includes a film member 133 and a filter 132.

The flavor source is configured with a raw material piece which is aplant material and adds a smoking flavor component to the aerosol. Asthe raw material piece which constitutes the flavor source, a compactmade by forming the tobacco material such as shredded tobacco or atobacco raw material into a grain shape can be used. Alternatively, asthe flavor source, a compact made by forming the tobacco raw materialinto a sheet shape may be used. Also, the raw material piece toconstitute the flavor source may be configured with a plant (such asmint or a herb) other than tobacco. To the flavor source, a flavoringagent may be added.

In the present embodiment, inside the cartridge unit 120, a breakingunit 127 a is provided, as shown in FIG. 4, such that the film member133 of the flavor unit 130 can be broken by the breaking unit 127 a.Specifically, the breaking unit 127 a is a cylindrical hollow noodle,and is configured so as to be able to stick its leading end side intothe film member 133. The breaking unit 127 a may be held by a partitionmember 127 b for separating the cartridge unit 120 and the flavor unit130. The partition member 127 b is, for example, a polyacetal resin.When the breaking unit 127 a and the flavor unit 130 are connected, oneflow path is formed inside the cartridge unit 120, and the aerosol, air,and so on flows in the flow path.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow path is composed of an inflowhole 121 a formed in the reservoir 123, an inner passage 127 c connectedthereto, a passage in the breaking unit 127 a, a passage in the flavorunit 130, and an inhalation hole 141 (to be described below in detail).Also, in an embodiment, it is preferable that a mesh having such adensity that the flavor source can not pass through it be providedinside the breaking unit 127 a which is a hollow noodle. The inhalationcomponent generating device 100 may include the inhalation port part 142having the inhalation hole 141 formed for the user to inhale theinhalation component. The inhalation port part 142 may be configured tobe attachable to and detachable from the inhalation component generatingdevice 100, or may be configured integrally with the inhalationcomponent generating device so as not to be separable.

Also, the flavor unit may be, for example, a unit having a structure asshown in FIG. 5. A flavor unit 130′ has a flavor source contained in acylindrical member 131′, and a film member 133′ provided at one open endof the cylindrical member 131′, and a filter 132′ provided at the otheropen end. The cylindrical member 131′ may be provided in the cartridgeunit 120 so as to be exchangeable. The other structural parts of FIG. 5are the same as those of FIG. 4, so a repetitive description thereofwill not be made. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, between the outerperiphery of the cylindrical member 131′ of the flavor unit 130′ and theinner periphery of the case member 129, there is a gap; however, such agap may not be formed. In this case, the air which is sucked passesthrough the cylindrical member 131′. As the flavor unit 130′, varioustypes of units containing different kinds of flavor sources may becommercially supplied such that it is possible to set one in theinhalation component generating device 100 according to the user'spreference and perform inhalation. Also, the flavor unit 130′ may beconfigured such that when the flavor unit 130′ is connected to thecartridge unit 120, an end part of the flavor unit 130′ is exposed fromthe case member 129. According to this configuration, since theexchangeable flavor unit 130′ serves as the inhalation port part 142,the user can use the inhalation component generating device 100 in asanitary way.

(Control Circuit)

Referring to FIG. 3 again, the control circuit 50 of the inhalationcomponent generating device 100 may be a circuit including a processorhaving a memory and a CPU (both of which are not shown in the drawings),various electric circuits, and so on. The processor needs only to be acomponent for performing various processes regardless of its name, andmay be a component referred to, for example, as an MCU (Micro ControllerUnit), a microcomputer, a control IC, a control unit, or the like. Asthe control circuit 50, a single control circuit may be configured toperform control on the functions of the inhalation component generatingdevice 100, or a plurality of control circuits may be configured toshare in performing various functions.

Hereinafter, a configuration in which a charger 200 is providedseparately from the inhalation component generating device 100 will bedescribed as an example. In this case, in the device, a first controlcircuit may be provided, and in the charger, a second control circuitmay be provided, such that predetermined functions can be performed bythe individual control circuits. Meanwhile, as another configurationexample of the inhalation component generating device 100, it also ispossible to incorporate a charger function in the main body of thedevice, and in this case, a single control circuit may be configured.Like this, in the present embodiment, according to the physicalconfiguration of the device and so on, a plurality of control circuitsmay be configured, and how to divide up a variety of control among thecontrol circuits can be appropriately changed.

(Electric Circuit Configuration)

An example of the specific circuit configuration of the inhalationcomponent generating device 100 of the present embodiment will bedescribed below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 6, asthe entire electric circuit of the inhalation component generatingdevice 100, the circuit in the power supply unit 110 and the circuit inthe cartridge unit 120 are provided such that they can be connected.

In the circuit of the cartridge unit 120, the load 125 is provided, andboth ends of the load 125 are connected to a pair of electric terminals121 t. In the present embodiment, the pair of electric terminals 121 tconstitute the connection part 121 in terms of electric connection.

As the circuit of the power supply unit 110, a control unit (a controlIC) 50A, the power supply 10, a protection circuit 180, a first switch172, a second switch 174, and so on are provided. As schematically shownin FIG. 7, the circuit of the power supply unit is configured such thatto the circuit of the power supply unit 110, the circuit of thecartridge unit 120 described above is connected, and the circuit of thecharger 200 (to be described below in detail) also can be connected.

Referring to FIG. 6 again, in the circuit of the power supply unit 110,the high potential side of the power supply 10 and the control unit 50Aare connected via a path 110 a, a path 110 b, and a path 110 c. The path110 a connects the high potential side of the power supply 10 and a node156, and the path 110 b connects the node 156 and a node 154, and thepath 110 c connects the node 154 and the control unit 50A. From the node154, a path 110 d is drawn, and by the path 110 d, the node 154 and theprotection circuit 180 are connected. On the path 110 d, the twoswitches 172 and 174 are provided.

Between the part of the path 110 a connected to the high potential sideof the power supply 10 and the protection circuit 180, a resistor 161 isprovided. On the path 110 b, a first resistor 150 is provided, and onthe path 110 c, a second resistor 152 is provided. In this example,moreover, one of a pair of electric terminals 111 t is connected to thenode 156, and the other is connected to the node 154. Also, the controlunit 50A and a part of the path 110 d between the second switch 174 andthe protection circuit 180 are connected by a path 110 e, and on thispath 110 e, a resistor 162 is provided. The protection circuit 180 andthe path 110 a also are connected by a path 110 f, and on this path 110f, a capacitor 163 is provided. In an embodiment, it is preferable thatthe resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor152 be known, although the present invention is not limited thereto. Thefirst resistor 150 may be a resistor known to the control unit 50A andan external unit. Similarly, the second resistor 152 may be a resistorknown to the control unit 50A and the external unit. Also, the electricresistance value of the first resistor 150 and the electric resistancevalue of the second resistor 152 may be the same.

The first switch 172 electrically connects and disconnects the powersupply 10 and the load 125. The first switch 172 may be configured with,for example, a MOSFET. The first switch 172 may be a switch serving as aso-called discharging FET. The switching of the first switch 172 iscontrolled by the control unit 50A. Specifically, if the first switch172 is closed (i.e. it is turned on), power is supplied from the powersupply 10 to the load 125; whereas if the switch 172 is opened (i.e. itis turned off), power is not supplied.

Switching of the first switch 172 may be controlled such that PWM (PulseWidth Modulation) on the load 125 is performed. However, instead of PWMcontrol, PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control may be performed. Theduty ratio for PWM control and the switching frequency for PFM controlmay be adjusted according to various parameters such as the voltagevalue of the power supply 10. The specific circuit configuration relatedto the first switch 172 is not necessarily limited to a configuration tobe described below, and may include a parasitic diode. This parasiticdiode may be configured such that when any external unit such as thecharger is not connected, the direction in which the current from thepower supply 10 flows into the parasitic diode via the node 154 becomesthe reverse direction.

The second switch 174 is electrically connected to the node 154 via thefirst switch 172. The second switch 174 also may be configured with, forexample, a MOSFET, and be controlled by the control unit 50A.Specifically, the second switch 174 may be able to transition between anopen state for shutting off the current from the low potential side ofthe power supply 10 to the high potential side and a closed state forflowing the current from the low potential side of the power supply 10to the high potential side. Also, the second switch 174 may include aparasitic diode in which the direction in which the current for chargingthe power supply 10 flows becomes the reverse direction.

In the above-described circuit configuration, the current from the powersupply 10 mainly passes through the node 156, the load 125, the node154, and the switch 172 in the order, and flows back to the power supply10, whereby the load 125 is heated. Also, a part of the current from thepower supply 10 passes through the resistor 150. Therefore, if theresistance value of the resistor 150 is set to be significantly largerthan the resistance value of the load 125, it is possible to suppressthe loss from being caused by the current flowing in the resistor 150.

(Circuit Configuration of Charger)

Now, an example of the specific circuit configuration of the charger 200side will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. Also, in FIG. 8,the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 110 side is the sameas that of FIG. 6.

The outer shape of the charger 200 is not limited, and can be set to anarbitrary shape. As an example, the charger 200 may have a shape similarto a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory having a USB terminal which canbe connected to a USB port. As another example, the charger 200 may havea cradle shape for holding the power supply unit, or a case shape forstoring the power supply unit. In the case of configuring the charger200 in the cradle shape or the case shape, it is preferable that anexternal power supply 210 be installed inside the charger 200 and thecharger have such size and weight that the user can carry the charger.

As shown in FIG. 8, as the circuit of the charger 200, a chargingcontrol unit (a charging control IC) 250, an inverter 251 for convertingAC to DC, a converter 253 for stepping up or down the output voltage ofthe inverter 251, and so on are provided. The charger 200 may a chargerincluding a charging power supply 210 provided therein for supplyingcharging power, or may use another device or a commercial power supplyas an external power supply. Also, in the case where the charging powersupply 210 is provided inside the charger 200 and outputs directcurrent, the inverter 251 may be omitted. Moreover, in the charger 200,a current sensor 230 for reading the value of charging current which issupplied to the power supply 10, and a voltage sensor 240 for acquiringthe voltage difference between a pair of electric terminals 211 t(connection parts 211) are provided. The voltage sensor 240 may beconfigured to be able to acquire the voltage value which is applied tothe first resistor 150, in cooperation with the control circuit 50 andthe switches 172 and 174.

The charging control unit 250 may be a unit having one or more functionsincluding, for example, detection of a connection of the power supplyunit 110, determination on the type of a connection object, and chargingcontrol based on the output value of the current sensor and/or theoutput value of the voltage sensor. However, instead of the charger 200,the control unit 50A of the inhalation component generating device 100may be configured to perform one or more of those functions. The detailsof the above-mentioned functions will be described below.

2. Operation Control

Examples of the functions of the inhalation component generating device100 include the followings.

(a1) Power Supply Control

(a2) Light Emission Control

(a3) Operation Control based on Temperature of Power Supply

(a4) Deterioration Diagnosis Function

(b1) Detection of Connection of Charger

(b2) Charging control

Hereinafter, these functions will be described in the order.

(a1) Power Supply Control

The control circuit 50 has a function of performing an operation ofsupplying power to the load 125 on the basis of a request signal from arequest sensor. The request sensor means a sensor capable of outputting,for example, a signal for requesting the operation of the load 125,namely, the sensor which outputs a generation request of an inhalationcomponent. Specifically, the request sensor may be, for example, thepush button 30 which can be pushed by the user, or the inhalation sensor20 for detecting an inhaling action of the user. In other words, thecontrol circuit 50 may be configured to perform a predeterminedoperation in response to pushing of the push button 30 and/or inresponse to the detection result of the inhalation sensor 20. The valuerelated to the amount of operation of the load 2 may be measured by apredetermined counter.

With respect to end of power supply, the following control may beperformed. In other words, the control circuit 50 determines whether theend timing of power supply to the load 125 has been detected, and endsthe power supply in the case where the end timing has been detected. Thecontrol circuit 50 may measure the value related to the amount ofoperation of the load 125 (such as at least one of the amount of powersupplied to the load, the operation time of the load, the consumption ofthe inhalation component source, and so on). More specifically, the endtiming of power supply may be a timing when the inhalation sensor 20 hasdetected the end of an operation for using the load. For example, theend timing may be a timing when the end of an inhaling action of theuser has been detected. Also, if release of the push button 30 frompushing is detected, power supply may be ended.

Also, end of power supply based on a cutoff time may be performed. Inother words, at a timing when a predetermined cutoff time has passed inthe course of power supply, power supply may be ended. In order torealize control based on a cutoff time, a cutoff time (in a rangebetween 1.0 sec and 5.0 sec, preferably between 1.5 sec and 3.0 sec, andmore preferably between 1.5 sec and 2.5 sec) determined on the basis ofthe time required for a general user to perform one inhaling action maybe set.

An example of the cutoff time will be described in brief with referenceto FIG. 9. The horizontal axis represents time, and the upper part showschange in the inhalation amount, and the lower part shows a dischargeFET signal (corresponding to the waveform of the voltage which isapplied to the load). In this example, first, when it is determined onthe basis of the output of the inhalation sensor 20 (the inhalationamount or the inhalation speed) that inhalation has been started, powersupply to the load is started. In FIG. 9, a time t2 is a timing wheninhalation ends. In the case of using the cutoff time, althoughcompletion of inhalation is actually determined at the time t2, afterthe predetermined cutoff time (here, a time t1) passes, power supply isforcibly ended. If the cutoff time is set as described above, it ispossible to reduce variation in the amount of aerosol generationwhenever power is supplied. Therefore, it is possible to improve user'saerosol inhalation experience. Also, since continuous power supply tothe load 125 for a long time is suppressed, it is possible to extend thelife of the load 125.

Also, the control circuit 50 may be configured to be able to acquirevalues related to the amount of operation of the load during one puffingaction and derive the cumulative value of the acquired values. In otherwords, the control circuit measures the amount of power supply to theload, the operation time of the load, and so on during one puffingaction. As the operation time may be the sum of times when a power pulseis applied. Also, the control circuit may be configured to be able tomeasure the amount of inhalation component source consumed by onepuffing action. The consumption of inhalation component source can beestimated, for example, from the amount of power supplied to the load.In the case where the inhalation component source is liquid, theconsumption of inhalation component source may be derived on the basisof at least the weight of the inhalation component source remaining inthe reservoir, or may be derived on the basis of at least the output ofa sensor which measures the height of the liquid level of the inhalationcomponent source. The amount of operation of the load during one puffingaction may be derived on the basis of at least the temperature of theload (for example, at least one of the highest temperature of the load,the amount of heat generated by the load, and so on in the period of thepuffing action).

An additional description of the specific operation example based on theoutput of the inhalation sensor will be made with reference to FIG. 10.FIG. 10 is a view schematically illustrating the relation between theoutput value of the inhalation sensor and the voltage which is appliedto the load. In this example, the control circuit 50 detects whether theoutput value of the inhalation sensor is equal to or larger than a firstreference value O1, or not, and in the case where the output value isequal to or larger than the reference value, the control circuitdetermines that an inhaling action is being performed. This timingtriggers a power supply request. The control circuit detects whether theoutput value of the inhalation sensor is equal to or smaller than asecond reference value O2, or not, and in the case where the outputvalue is equal to or smaller than the reference value, the controlcircuit determines that it's the end timing of power supply.

As an example, the control circuit 50 may be configured to detectinhalation only in the case where the absolute value of the output valueof the inhalation sensor is equal to or larger than the first referencevalue O1. Since the detection using the second reference value O2 isdetection for performing a transition from the state in which the loadis already operating to the state in which the load is not operating,the second reference value O2 may be smaller than the first referencevalue O1.

With respect to the operation of the load, for example, in the casewhere the power-supply voltage value is relatively high, the pulse widthduring PWM control may be set to be narrower (see the middle part of thegraph of FIG. 10), and in the case where the power-supply voltage valueis relatively low, the pulse width may be set to be wider (the lowerpart of FIG. 10). Basically, the power-supply voltage value decreases asthe charge amount of the power supply decreases. Therefore, in anembodiment, it is preferable to adjust the amount of power according tothe power-supply voltage value on all such occasions. According to thiscontrol method, for example, it is possible to make the effective valueof voltage (power) to be applied to the load in the case where thepower-supply voltage value is relatively high same or substantially sameas that in the case where the power-supply voltage value is relativelylow. Also, it is preferable to perform PWM control using a higher dutyratio in the case where the power-supply voltage value is lower.According to this control method, regardless of the residual amount ofthe power supply, it becomes possible to appropriately adjust the amountof aerosol to be generated during a puffing action. If the amount ofaerosol which is generated during a puffing action is almostuniformized, it is possible to improve user's aerosol inhalationexperience.

(a2) Light Emission Control on LED and Others

The inhalation component generating device of the present embodiment maybe a device which operates the light emitting unit 40 (see FIG. 1 and soon) as follows. However, as described above, it also is possible to giveinformation to the user by a notifying means such as sound or vibration,instead of light emission. FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating aspecific operation example of the inhalation component generating device100.

First, in STEP S101, the control circuit 50 (see FIG. 3) detects whetherinhalation has started. In the case where start of inhalation has notbeen detected, the control circuit repeats STEP S101; whereas in thecase where start of inhalation has been detected, the control circuitproceeds to STEP S102.

Next, in STEP S102, the control circuit acquires the power-supplyvoltage value V_(batt) of the power supply 10, and determines whetherthe acquired value is larger than the discharge cutoff voltage value(for example, 3.2 V) of the power supply 10. Since the case where thepower-supply voltage value V_(batt) is equal to or smaller than thedischarge cutoff voltage value means the case where the residual amountof the power supply is not sufficient, in STEP S122, the control circuitcontrols the light emitting unit 40 such that the light emitting unitemits light in a predetermined mode. Specifically, for example, thecontrol circuit may control the light emitting unit such that the lightemitting unit blinks red.

In the case where it is determined in STEP S102 that the residual amountis sufficient since the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) is largerthan the discharge cutoff voltage value and, subsequently, in STEP S103,the control circuit determines whether the power-supply voltage valueV_(batt) is larger than the discharge cutoff voltage, and is equal to orsmaller than the value obtained by subtracting A from the full chargingvoltage, or not. Also, A is a positive value. According to whether thepower-supply voltage value V_(batt) is in this range, whether to performpower supply with the duty ratio of 100% is switched as will bedescribed below. In the case where the power-supply voltage value is inthe corresponding range, in STEP S104, power supply with the duty ratioof 100% is performed. Although not limited, as an example, the lightemitting unit 40 may be controlled so as to be turned on in blue (STEPS105).

Meanwhile, in the case where it is determined in STEP S103 that thepower-supply voltage value V_(batt) is not in the above-mentioned range,subsequently, in STEP S123, the control circuit determines whether thepower-supply voltage value V_(batt) is larger than the value obtained bysubtracting A from the full charging voltage, and is equal to or smallerthan the full charging voltage, or not. If the power-supply voltagevalue is in this range, in STEP S124, the control circuit supplies powerusing PWM control, thereby realizing constant power control.

In the present embodiment, in STEP S106, inhalation time T_(L) is resetto “0”, and thereafter, in STEP S107, Δt is added to the inhalation timeT_(L), whereby the inhalation time is updated.

Next, in STEP S108, the control circuit determines whether the end ofthe inhalation has been detected, and in the case where the end of theinhalation has been detected, the control circuit proceeds to STEP S109,and stops supply of power to the load. Meanwhile, even though the end ofthe inhalation has not been detected, if it is determined in STEP S128that the inhalation time T_(L) is equal to or longer than apredetermined upper limit time, the control circuit proceeds to STEPS109, and stops supply of power to the load. Then, in STEP S110, thecontrol circuit turns off the light emitting unit 40.

In STEP S111, the cumulative time T_(A) is updated. In other words, tothe cumulative time T_(A) until that moment, the current inhalation timeT_(L) is added, whereby the cumulative time T_(A) is updated. Next, inSTEP S112, the control circuit determines whether the cumulative timeT_(A) exceeds a predetermined available inhalation time (for example,120 sec). In the case where the cumulative time does not exceed theavailable inhalation time, the control circuit determines thatcontinuous use is possible, and returns to the sequence from STEP S101.Meanwhile, in the case where the cumulative time T_(A) exceeds theavailable inhalation time, the control circuit estimates that the flavorsource in the flavor unit 130 or the aerosol source in the reservoir 123is insufficient or exhausted, and stops supply of power to the load inSTEP S115 to be described below.

Meanwhile, in the case where the cumulative time exceeds the availableinhalation time, the control circuit detects whether inhalation hasstarted, in STEP S113, and determines whether the inhalation hascontinued for a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 sec), in STEP S114,and if it is determined that the inhalation has continued for thepredetermined time or more, in STEP S115, the control circuit prohibitssupply of power to the load. In this case, in STEP S116, in order toinform the above-mentioned power supply prohibition state, the controlcircuit controls the light emitting unit such that the light emittingunit emits light in a predetermined mode (for example, it blinks blue),and after a predetermined time passes, in STEP S117, the control circuitwithdraws the power supply prohibition state. However, instead of elapseof the predetermined time, exchange of the flavor unit 130 or thecartridge unit 120 with a new one, or refilling of the flavor source orthe aerosol source may be used as a condition for withdrawing the powersupply prohibition state in STEP S117.

According to the series of operations described above, according to theresidual amount of the power supply, the operation mode of the load isappropriately changed, and the user can grasp the current operationstate of the inhalation component generating device due to the lightemitting unit 40.

(a3) Operation Control Based on Temperature of Power Supply

The inhalation component generating device 100 of the present embodimentmay be configured to determine whether power supply temperature T_(batt)is in a predetermined temperature range, and determine to or not toperform a predetermined operation on the basis of the determinationresult. In FIG. 12, specific examples of temperature ranges are shown.In this example, a first temperature range to a fourth temperature rangeare set. However, not all of the four, only one, two, or three of themmay be set.

The first temperature range is a temperature range related to allowanceof diagnosis using SOH (State of health) representing the healthy stateof the power supply, and has an upper limit temperature T1 a and a lowerlimit temperature T1 b. The specific numeric values of the upper limittemperature and the lower limit temperature can be appropriately set.Also, the unit of SOH may be %. In this case, on the assumption that theSOH of a new device is 100(%), the SOH when a device has deteriorated tosuch a state that charge and discharge are difficult may be set to 0(%).Also, as another example, as the SOH, a value which is obtained bydividing the current full charge capacity by the full charge capacity ofa new device may be used.

The upper limit temperature T1 a is not limited to, and for example, inconsideration of the temperature at which there is a possibility thatthe structures and/or compositions of the electrodes and theelectrolytic solution of the power supply might change (or thetemperature at which change becomes remarkable), the temperature atwhich there is a possibility that cracked gas might be generated (or thetemperature at which generation becomes remarkable), or the like, theupper limit temperature may be set to be lower than or equal to thecorresponding temperature. If the SOH is acquired at a temperature equalto or higher than the upper limit temperature T1 a, since the influenceof the temperature is strong, it is difficult to obtain an adequatedeterioration diagnosis result. As an example, the temperature T1 a maybe 60° C. If the temperature range is set as described above, in a rangein which change of the structure of the power supply and the like do notoccur and generation of cracked gas is suppressed, deteriorationdiagnosis can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to obtain anadequate deterioration diagnosis result.

For example, in consideration of the temperature at which there is apossibility that a decrease in the output attributable to lowtemperature might become predominate as compared to a decreaseattributable to SOH (or the temperature at which it becomes remarkable),the lower limit temperature T1 b may be set to be higher or equal to thecorresponding temperature. The temperature T1 b is, for example, 15° C.In general, to acquire SOH, an index indicating the deterioration of thecapacity of the power supply 10 such as a decrease in the output isused. Therefore, in a temperature range in which SOH is not the onlycause of the decrease in the output, it is difficult to obtain anadequate deterioration diagnosis result. In other words, ifdeterioration diagnosis is allowed only in the case where thetemperature of the power supply is in the first temperature range whichis determined from the upper limit temperature T1 a and the lower limittemperature T1 b, it is possible to minimize the influence of thetemperature of the power supply on the deterioration diagnosis result.Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain an adequate deteriorationdiagnosis result.

The second temperature range is a temperature range relates to allowanceof discharge of the power supply, and has an upper limit temperature T2a and a lower limit temperature T2 b. The specific numeric values of theupper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can beappropriately set. For example, the upper limit temperature T2 a may beset on the basis of the same reference as that for the upper limittemperature T1 a of the first temperature range. As an example, thetemperature T2 a is 60° C. Also, as another example, the upper limittemperature T2 a may be different from the upper limit temperature T1 a.For example, in consideration of the temperature at which there is apossibility that the internal resistance might excessively increase dueto coagulation of the electrolytic solution or ionic liquid of the powersupply (or the temperature at which the increase in the internalresistance becomes remarkable), the lower limit temperature T2 b may beset to be higher or equal to the corresponding temperature. Thetemperature T2 b may be, for example, −10° C. Since the secondtemperature range which is determined from the upper limit temperatureT2 a and the lower limit temperature T2 b is a range in which thestructures and/or compositions of the electrodes and the electrolyticsolution of the power supply do not change, and coagulation of theelectrolytic solution or ionic liquid of the power supply does notoccur, it is possible to improve the safety of the power supply relatedto discharge, and the life of the power supply.

The third temperature range is a temperature range related to allowanceof charging of the power supply, and has an upper limit temperature T3 aand a lower limit temperature T3 b. Similarly to the above-mentionedranges, the specific numeric values of the upper limit temperature andthe lower limit temperature can be appropriately set.

Although not limited, for example, the upper limit temperature T3 a maybe set on the basis of the same reference as that for the upper limittemperature T1 a of the first temperature range. As an example, theupper limit temperature T3 a is 60° C. Also, as another example, theupper limit temperature T3 a may be different from the upper limittemperature T1 a. For example, in the case where the power supply is alithium-ion secondary battery, there is a possibility that if voltage isapplied at low temperature, metallic lithium might be deposited on thesurface of the negative electrode. In consideration of the temperatureat which there is a possibility that this so-calledelectrocrystallization phenomenon might occur (or the temperature atwhich electrocrystallization becomes remarkable), the lower limittemperature T3 b may be set to be higher than or equal to thecorresponding temperature. The lower limit temperature T3 b is, forexample, 0° C. Since the third temperature range which is determinedfrom the upper limit temperature T3 a and the lower limit temperature T3b is a range in which the structures and/or compositions of theelectrodes and the electrolytic solution of the power supply do notchange, and electrocrystallization does not occur, it is possible toimprove the safety of the power supply related to charging, and the lifeof the power supply.

The fourth temperature range is a temperature range related to allowanceof quick charging, and has an upper limit temperature T4 a and a lowerlimit temperature T4 b. Similarly to the above-mentioned ranges, thespecific numeric values of the upper limit temperature and the lowerlimit temperature can be appropriately set. Also, in this specification,quick charging is charging which is performed at a higher rate ascompared to charging which is allowed in the third temperature range. Asan example, quick charging may be performed at a higher rate which istwo or more times that for charging. As an example, the rate of quickcharging may be 2 C, and the rate of charging may be 1 C.

Although not limited, for example, the upper limit temperature T4 a maybe set on the basis of the same reference as that for the upper limittemperature T1 a of the first temperature range. As an example, theupper limit temperature T4 a is 60° C. Also, as another example, theupper limit temperature T4 a may be different from the upper limittemperature T1 a. For example, in consideration of the temperature atwhich deterioration of the power supply is promoted if charging isperformed at a high rate, the lower limit temperature T4 b may be set tobe higher than or equal to the corresponding temperature. Thetemperature T4 b is, for example, 10° C. Since the fourth temperaturerange which is determined from the upper limit temperature T4 a and thelower limit temperature T4 b is a range in which the structures and/orcompositions of the electrodes and the electrolytic solution of thepower supply do not change, and deterioration of the power supply is notpromoted. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the powersupply related to quick charging, and the life of the power supply.

The first to fourth temperature ranges have been described above, andthe individual temperature ranges may have the following relations.

(1) With respect to the first temperature range, its lower limittemperature T1 b may be set to be higher than the lower limittemperature T2 b of the second temperature range. Further, the lowerlimit temperature T1 b may be set to be higher than the lower limittemperatures T2 b to T4 b of the second to fourth temperature ranges.The upper limit temperature T1 a may be set to be the same as orsubstantially the same as the upper limit temperatures T2 a to T4 a ofthe other temperature ranges (which means that the upper limittemperature T1 a is in a numeric value range between values obtained byincreasing and decreasing each comparison object value by 10%, and thisis the same for this specification). Alternatively, the upper limittemperature T1 a may be equal to or higher than the upper limittemperature T2 a of the second temperature range, or may be equal to orhigher than the upper limit temperature T3 a of the third temperaturerange, or may be equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T4a of the fourth temperature range.

(2) With respect to the second temperature range, the second temperaturerange may be set to be wider than the first temperature range andinclude the first temperature range (the case where one range isreferred to as including another range includes the case where theirupper limit temperatures are the same, or their lower limit temperaturesare the same, and this is the same for this specification). In anembodiment of the present invention, the second temperature range may beset to be wider than the temperature ranges in which the other functionsare allowed (in the example of FIG. 12, for example, the first, third,and fourth temperature ranges).

(3) With respect to the third temperature range, the third temperaturerange may be set to be wider than the first temperature range andinclude the first temperature range. Also, the third temperature rangemay be set to be wider than the fourth temperature range and include thefourth temperature range.

(4) With respect to the fourth temperature range, the fourth temperaturerange may be set to be wider than the first temperature range andinclude the first temperature range. In an embodiment of the presentinvention, the first temperature range may be set to be narrower thanthe temperature ranges in which the other functions are allowed (in theexample of FIG. 12, for example, the second to fourth temperatureranges).

By the way, in general, SOH diagnosis is performed on the basis of anelectric parameter of the power supply during discharge or duringcharging. As examples of the electric parameter, the value of currentwhich the power supply releases during discharge, the voltage valuewhich the power supply outputs during discharge, the current value withwhich the power supply is charged during charging, the voltage valuewhich is applied to the power supply during charging, and so on may beused. If the first temperature range is set as described above, eachpower supply temperature belonging to the first temperature rangenecessarily belongs to the second to fourth temperature ranges.Therefore, in the state where SOH diagnosis is allowed, at least one ofdischarge, charging, and quick charging is allowed at the same time.Therefore, it is possible to acquire the electric parameter necessaryfor SOH diagnosis by any one of discharge, charging, and quick charging.Therefore, in the state where SOH diagnosis is allowed, it is possibleto perform SOH diagnosis without any problems. Therefore, theeffectiveness of SOH diagnosis improves.

Also, the electric parameter which is used in SOH diagnosis isinfluenced not only by deterioration of the power supply but also by thepower supply temperature. Therefore, in order to secure the accuracy ofSOH diagnosis, it is preferable to perform SOH diagnosis only in thecase where the power supply temperature belongs to a temperature rangein which the power supply temperature exerts little influence to theelectric parameter which is used in SOH diagnosis.

As the result of earnest examination of the inventors of thisapplication, it became evident that an appropriate temperature range forSOH diagnosis is narrower than a temperature range in which charging anddischarge are possible without promoting deterioration of the powersupply. Also, it became evident that particularly, during lowtemperature, the influence which the power supply temperature exerts onthe electric parameter which is used in SOH diagnosis becomespredominate.

If the first temperature range is set as described above, power supplytemperatures belonging to the second to fourth temperature ranges do notnecessarily belong to the first temperature range. In other words, thismeans that there is a temperature range in which even though chargingand discharge are allowed, SOH diagnosis is not allowed. If theindividual temperature ranges are set as described above, SOH diagnosisis performed only in a proper temperature range. Therefore, it ispossible to improve the accuracy of SOH diagnosis. Particularly, in thetemperature range lower than 15° C., although charging and discharge ofthe power supply are allowed in order to suppress deterioration of thepower supply, SOH diagnosis is not allowed in order to secure theaccuracy of SOH diagnosis. This is preferable as an embodiment of thepresent invention.

Also, with respect to charging and discharge, in general, the influenceof discharge on deterioration of the power supply is less. Thedifference in the influence on deterioration of the power supply betweencharging and discharge becomes more remarkable as the power supplytemperature lowers. If the second temperature range is set as describedabove, it is possible to maximize the opportunity for charging anddischarge while suppressing deterioration of the power supply.

Also, with respect to charging and quick charging, in general, theinfluence of charging on deterioration of the power supply is less. Thedifference in the influence on deterioration of the power supply betweencharging and quick charging becomes more remarkable as the power supplytemperature lowers. If at least one of the third temperature range andthe fourth temperature range is set as described above, it is possibleto maximize the opportunity for charging and quick charging whilesuppressing deterioration of the power supply.

Like this, if the first temperature range is appropriately set, theaccuracy of SOH diagnosis improves, and it is possible to use the powersupply 10 for a longer time while securing safety. Therefore, energysaving effect is obtained.

Also, if the individual temperature ranges are appropriately set,deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed. Therefore, the lifeof the power supply 10 lengthens, and energy saving effect is obtained.

(a4) Deterioration Diagnosis Function FIG. 13 is a flow chartillustrating an example of deterioration diagnosis or malfunctiondiagnosis. In STEP S201, first, measuring of the power-supply voltagevalue V_(batt) is performed. The power-supply voltage value V_(batt) canbe acquired by the voltage sensor. However, it should be noted that thisflow chart is performed by the control circuit 50 in response todetecting start of inhalation (see FIG. 3). In other words, in responseto the detection of the generation request of the inhalation component,the determination whether the power supply temperature T_(batt) is inthe first temperature range is performed, and the deteriorationdiagnosis is performed.

As an example, the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) may be opencircuit voltage (OCV) which can be acquired without electricallyconnecting the power supply 10 and the load 125. As another example, thepower-supply voltage value V_(batt) may be closed circuit voltage (CCV)which can be acquired by electrically connecting the power supply 10 andthe load 125. As another example, as the power-supply voltage valueV_(batt), both of the open circuit voltage and the closed circuitvoltage may be used. In some cases, in order to eliminate the influenceof voltage drop attributable to the electric connection of the load andchange of the internal resistance or the temperature attributable todischarge, it is preferable to use the open circuit voltage (OCV) ratherthan the closed circuit voltage (CCV). From the closed circuit voltage(CCV), the open circuit voltage (OCV) may be estimated.

Specifically, the acquisition timing of the power-supply voltage valueV_(batt) may be a timing when discharge is being performed to supplypower to the load, or may be a timing immediately before discharge, ormay be a timing immediately after discharge. The timing immediatelybefore discharge may be, for example, a period before start ofdischarge, for example, a period from 5 msec to 10 msec before dischargeuntil discharge start time. The timing immediately after discharge maybe, for example, a period from the end of discharge until, for example,5 msec to 10 msec passes.

Also, in the flow of FIG. 13, acquisition of the power-supply voltagevalue V_(batt) in the course of charging is not performed; however, inthe case where it is required to acquire the power-supply voltage valueV_(batt) in the course of charging, similarly, not only in the course ofcharging, but also at the timing immediately before charging, or at thetiming immediately after charging, the power-supply voltage valueV_(batt) may be acquired. The timing immediately before charging may be,for example, a period from a time before start of charging, for example,5 msec to 10 msec before start of charging until the charging starttime. The timing immediately after charging may be, for example, aperiod from the end of charging until, for example, 5 msec to 10 msecpasses.

Next, in STEP S202, whether the acquired power-supply voltage valueV_(batt) is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value of apredetermined voltage range, or not is determined. In the case where thepower-supply voltage value is larger than the upper limit value, theprocess is finished without estimating or detecting deterioration andmalfunction of the power supply. As another example, in the case wherethe power-supply voltage value is larger than the upper limit value, theprocess may return to STEP S201.

Meanwhile, in the case where the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) isequal to or smaller than the predetermined upper limit value,subsequently, in STEP S203, whether the power-supply voltage valueacquired during the previous inhaling action is equal to or smaller thanthe upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range or not isdetermined. In the case where the power-supply voltage value V_(before)acquired during the previous inhaling action is larger than the upperlimit value of the predetermined voltage range, it is determined thatthe power-supply voltage value has become equal to or smaller than theupper limit value of the predetermined voltage range for the first timeby the latest inhaling action. Next, in STEP S204, an accumulationcounter (I_(Co)) which counts the cumulative value of values relatedwith the amount of operation of the load 125 is set to “0”. The casewhere the result of STEP S203 is “No” means that in the period from theprevious inhaling action to the current inhaling action, the powersupply has been charged.

In the case where the result of STEP S203 is “Yes”, or after theaccumulation counter is reset in STEP S204, subsequently, in STEP S205,whether the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) is smaller than thelower limit value of the predetermined voltage range is determined. Inthe case where the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) is equal to orlarger than the lower limit value, in STEP S206, the sum of valuesrelated to the amount of operation of the load is derived by“ICo=ICo+Co”. Co is the value related to the amount of operation of theload during the current inhaling action. ICo is the cumulative value ofvalues related to the amount of operation of the load. Thereafter, theprocess is finished without estimating or detecting deterioration ormalfunction of the power supply.

In the case where it is determined in STEP S205 that the power-supplyvoltage value V_(batt) is smaller than the lower limit value of thepredetermined voltage range, subsequently, in STEP S207, whether thevalue related to the amount of operation of the load having operatedwhile the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) has been in thepredetermined voltage range, i.e. the cumulative value ICo is largerthan a predetermined threshold is determined. In the case where thecumulative value ICo is larger than the predetermined threshold, it isdetermined that the power supply is normal, and the process of thediagnosis function is finished.

In the case where the cumulative value ICo is equal to or smaller thanthe predetermined threshold, deterioration or malfunction of the powersupply 10 is determined (STEP S208), and the abnormality is notified theuser via the light emitting unit 40 (STEP S209). If deterioration ormalfunction of the power supply is determined, according to the needs,control may be performed to make supply of power to the load 125impossible.

The deterioration diagnosis function is not limited to theabove-described embodiment, and various known methods can be used. As anexample, in the case of discharging the power supply 10 in a constantcurrent mode or in a constant power mode, if the power-supply voltagesignificantly lowers, deterioration of the power supply 10 may bedetermined. Also, as another example, in the case of charging the powersupply 10, if the power-supply voltage rises early, deterioration of thepower supply 10 may be determined. Also, as another example, in the caseof charging the power supply 10, if the power-supply voltage lowers,malfunction of the power supply 10 may be determined. Also, as anotherexample, in the case of charging or discharging the power supply 10, ifthe rate of temperature increase of the power supply 10 is high,deterioration of the power supply 10 may be determined. Also, as anotherexample, if any one of the cumulative charging amount, cumulativecharging time, cumulative discharge amount, and cumulative dischargetime of the power supply 10 exceeds a threshold, deterioration of thepower supply 10 may be determined.

(a5) Example of Operation Control Based on Temperature of Power Supply

Now, an example of the operation of the inhalation component generatingdevice 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference tothe flow chart of FIG. 14. This flow chart shows an example of operationcontrol based on the power supply temperature T_(batt).

First, in STEP S301, the inhalation component generating device 100determines whether an inhaling action has been detected, and whether aswitch 30 (see FIG. 1) is on. As described above, the detection of aninhaling action may be detection based on the output of the inhalationsensor 20.

In the case where the result of STEP S301 is “No”, the inhalationcomponent generating device performs STEP S311 and the subsequent steps.This will be described below. Meanwhile, in the case where the result ofSTEP S301 is “Yes”, a user's aerosol generation request is detected.Next, in STEP S302, the inhalation component generating devicecalculates the power supply temperature T_(batt). As described above,the calculation of the power supply temperature T_(batt) may be aprocess of detecting the temperature of the power supply 10 by atemperature sensor and obtaining the power supply temperature on thebasis of the output of the temperature sensor, or may be a process ofestimating the power supply temperature on the basis of a value relatedto the temperature of the power supply, or may be a process of detectingthe temperature of an object other than the power supply by atemperature sensor and estimating the power supply temperature on thebasis of the output of the temperature sensor. The calculation of thepower supply temperature is not limited to specific means, and any meanscan be used as long as it can acquire or estimate the currenttemperature of the power supply.

After STEP S302, in STEP S303, the inhalation component generatingdevice 100 determines whether the power supply temperature T_(batt) isin the second temperature range. As an example, the inhalation componentgenerating device determines whether the power supply temperature isincluded in the range of −10° C.<T_(batt)≤60° C.

In the case where T_(batt) is not in the range (the case where theresult of STEP S302 is “No”), the inhalation component generating deviceperforms a sequence for the case where the temperature is abnormal(STEPS S381 and S382). This will be described below.

Meanwhile, in the case where T_(batt) is in the range (the case wherethe result of STEP S302 is “Yes”), subsequently, in STEP S304, theinhalation component generating device 100 performs aerosol generation.Aerosol generation is performed by performing supply of power to theload 125. Control on supply of power is not limited to specific control,and a variety of control including the above-mentioned method andmethods known in the art can be used.

Next, in STEP S305, the inhalation component generating device 100determines whether the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in the firsttemperature range. As an example, the inhalation component generatingdevice determines whether the power supply temperature is included inthe range of 15° C.<T_(batt)≤60° C.

In the case where the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in theabove-mentioned temperature range (the case where the result of STEPS305 is “Yes”), in STEPS S306 and S307, the inhalation componentgenerating device 100 performs SOH diagnosis and so on. Specifically,the inhalation component generating device performs SOH diagnosis inSTEP S306, and determines whether the SOH is equal to or larger than apredetermined threshold or not, in STEP S307. However, deteriorationdiagnosis also is not limited to specific control, and a variety ofcontrol including the above-mentioned method and methods known in theart can be used.

In the case where the SOH is equal to or larger than the predeterminedthreshold (the case where the result of STEP S307 is “Yes”), since it isdetermined that the power supply 10 has not deteriorated, subsequently,STEPS S308 and S309 to be described below are performed.

Meanwhile, in the case where the SOH is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold (the case where the result of STEP S307 is “No”), since it isdetermined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, the inhalationcomponent generating device performs a sequence for the case where thebattery has deteriorated (STEPS S391 to S394, see FIG. 16). This will bedescribed below.

In the case where it is determined in STEP S305 that the power supplytemperature T_(batt) is not in the above-mentioned temperature range,STEPS S306 and S307 are skipped, so SOH diagnosis is not performed. Inother words, in the present embodiment, only in the case where the powersupply temperature T_(batt) is in the first temperature range, SOHdiagnosis is performed. Although not limited, the inhalation componentgenerating device may be configured such that in the case where thepower supply temperature is not in the range, in order to inform that itis impossible to perform diagnosis, a predetermined notification (suchas light emission of the light emitting unit 40) is issued.

Referring to FIG. 14 again, subsequently, in STEP S308, the inhalationcomponent generating device 100 determines whether the inhaling actionhas ended, whether the switch is off, and whether a predetermined timehas passed. In the case where the result of STEP S308 is “No” (i.e. thecase where the inhaling action has not ended, and the switch is on, andthe predetermined time has not passed), the inhalation componentgenerating device returns to STEP S305. Meanwhile, in the case where theresult of STEP S308 is “Yes”, in STEP S309, the inhalation componentgenerating device completes aerosol generation. As another example, inthe case where the result of STEP S308 is “No”, the inhalation componentgenerating device may return to STEP S306, not to STEP S305. In thiscase, since the flow speeds up, it is possible to increase the number oftimes of SOH diagnosis.

According to the series of steps described above, only in the case wherethe power supply temperature T_(batt) is in the temperature range inwhich discharge is possible, supply of power is performed, and only inthe case where the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in thetemperature range in which deterioration diagnosis is possible,deterioration diagnosis is performed. If SOH diagnosis is allowed onlyin a part of the temperature range in which discharge of the powersupply 10 is allowed, SOH diagnosis is performed only in the temperaturerange in which the influence which is exerted by the power supplytemperature is less. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracyof SOH diagnosis.

(Quick Charging)

Now, STEP S311 and the subsequent steps which are performed in the casewhere the result of STEP S301 is “No” will be described. First, in STEPS311, the inhalation component generating device 100 detects whether thecharger has been fit. In the case where fitting of the charger has notdetected, the inhalation component generating device returns to STEPS301.

In the case where fitting of the charger has been detected, in STEPS312, the inhalation component generating device 100 acquires orestimates the power supply temperature T_(batt). The acquisition orestimation of the power supply temperature T_(batt) can be performed inthe same way as that in STEP S302.

Next, in STEP S313, the inhalation component generating device 100determines whether the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in thefourth temperature range. As an example, the inhalation componentgenerating device determines whether the power supply temperature isincluded in the range of 10° C.<T_(batt)≤60° C.

In the case where the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in the range(the case where the result of STEP S313 is “Yes”), subsequently, in STEPS314, the inhalation component generating device 100 performs quickcharging. Also, the charging rate for quick charging in the CC mode maybe 2 C.

Meanwhile, in the case where the power supply temperature T_(batt) isnot in the range (the case where the result of STEP S313 is “No”), theinhalation component generating device 100 performs the sequence fornormal charging, not for quick charging (the sequence from STEP S321which will be described below).

If quick charging is started in STEP S314, subsequently, in STEP S315,the inhalation component generating device 100 determines whether thepower supply temperature T_(batt) is in the first temperature range (forexample, 15° C.<T_(batt)≤60° C.).

In the case where the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in theabove-mentioned temperature range (the case where the result of STEPS313 is “Yes”), in STEPS S316 and S317, the inhalation componentgenerating device 100 performs SOH diagnosis and so on. Specifically,the inhalation component generating device performs SOH diagnosis inSTEP S316, and determines whether the SOH is equal to or larger than apredetermined threshold or not, in STEP S317. In the case where T_(batt)is in the first range, STEPS S316 and S317 are skipped, so SOH diagnosisis not performed.

In the case where the SOH is equal to or larger than the predeterminedthreshold (the case where the result of STEP S317 is “Yes”), since it isdetermined that the power supply 10 has not deteriorated, subsequently,STEPS S318 and S319 to be described below are performed.

Meanwhile, in the case where the SOH is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold (the case where the result of STEP S317 is “No”), since it isdetermined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, the inhalationcomponent generating device performs a sequence for the case where thebattery has deteriorated (STEPS S391 to S394, see FIG. 16).

Subsequently, in STEP S318, the inhalation component generating device100 performs detection of a charging completion flag. In the case wherethe result of STEP S318 is “No” (i.e. the case where charging has notbeen completed), the inhalation component generating device returns toSTEP S315. In the case where the result of STEP S318 is “Yes”, in STEPS319, the inhalation component generating device completes charging. Asanother example, in the case where the result of STEP S318 is “No”, theinhalation component generating device may return to STEP S316, not toSTEP S315. In this case, since the flow speeds up, it is possible toincrease the number of times of SOH diagnosis.

As described above, if SOH diagnosis is allowed only in a part of thetemperature range in which quick charging of the power supply 10 isallowed, SOH diagnosis is performed only in the temperature range inwhich the influence which is exerted by the power supply temperature isless. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of SOHdiagnosis.

(Normal Charging)

In the case where it is determined in STEP S313 described above that thepower supply temperature T_(batt) is not in the fourth temperature range(for example, 10° C.<T_(batt)≤60° C.), in STEP S321, the inhalationcomponent generating device 100 determines whether the power supplytemperature is in the range of 0° C.<T_(batt)≤10° C. (the inhalationcomponent generating device determines whether the power supplytemperature is in the third temperature range, on the basis of thecombination of the content of STEP S313 and the content of STEP S321).In the case where T_(batt) is not in the range (the case where theresult of STEP S321 is “No”), the inhalation component generating deviceperforms the sequence for the case where the temperature is abnormal(STEPS S381 and S382 to be described below in detail). In the case wherethe power supply temperature T_(batt) is in the range (the case wherethe result of STEP S321 is “Yes”), subsequently, in STEP S322, theinhalation component generating device 100 performs normal charging.Also, the charging rate for normal charging in the CC mode may be 1 C.

If normal charging is started in STEP S322, subsequently, in STEP S323,the inhalation component generating device 100 determines whether thepower supply temperature T_(batt) is in the first temperature range (forexample, 15° C.<T_(batt)≤60° C.).

In the case where the power supply temperature T_(batt) is in theabove-mentioned range (the case where the result of STEP S323 is “Yes”),in STEPS S324 and S325, the inhalation component generating device 100performs SOH diagnosis and so on. Specifically, the inhalation componentgenerating device performs SOH diagnosis in STEP S324, and determineswhether the SOH is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold ornot, in STEP S325. In the case where the power supply temperatureT_(batt) is not in the first range (the case where the result of STEPS323 is “No”), STEPS S324 and S325 are skipped, so SOH diagnosis is notperformed.

In the case where the SOH is equal to or larger than the predeterminedthreshold (the case where the result of STEP S325 is “Yes”), since it isdetermined that the power supply 10 has not deteriorated, subsequently,STEPS S326 and S327 to be described below are performed.

Meanwhile, in the case where the SOH is smaller than the predeterminedthreshold (the case where the result of STEP S325 is “No”), since it isdetermined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, the inhalationcomponent generating device performs a sequence for the case where thebattery has deteriorated (STEPS S391 to S394, see FIG. 16).

Subsequently, in STEP S326, the inhalation component generating device100 performs detection of a charging completion flag. In the case wherethe result of STEP S326 is “No” (i.e. the case where charging has notbeen completed), the inhalation component generating device returns toSTEP S323. As another example, in the case where the result of STEP S326is “No”, the inhalation component generating device may return to STEPS324, not to STEP S323. In this case, since the flow speeds up, it ispossible to increase the number of times of SOH diagnosis. In the casewhere the result of STEP S326 is “Yes”, in STEP S327, the inhalationcomponent generating device completes charging.

As described above, if SOH diagnosis is allowed only in a part of thetemperature range in which charging of the power supply 10 is allowed,SOH diagnosis is performed only in the temperature range in which theinfluence which is exerted by the power supply temperature is less.Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of SOH diagnosis.

(Sequence for the Case where Temperature is Abnormal)

The sequence for the case where the temperature is abnormal may be, forexample, the sequence as shown in FIG. 15 in which the inhalationcomponent generating device 100 may first detect temperature abnormalityin STEP S381, and subsequently perform stop of charging or stop ofdischarge in STEP S382. Also, under a condition such as a condition thata predetermined time should pass or the power supply temperature shouldreturn to the normal range, charging or discharge stopped in STEP S382may be allowed again.

(Sequence for the Case where the Power Supply has Deteriorated)

The sequence for the case where the power supply has deteriorated maybe, for example, the sequence as shown in FIG. 16. In this example, ifthe inhalation component generating device 100 first detectsdeterioration of the battery in STEP S391, subsequently, in STEP S392,the inhalation component generating device performs stop of charging orstop of discharge.

Subsequently, in STEP S393, the inhalation component generating devicestores the detection time of the deterioration of the power supply andthe condition under which the deterioration was detected, in a memory.Then, in STEP S394, the inhalation component generating device stops theseries of operations. However, under a condition such as exchange of thepower supply 10, the series of operations stopped in STEP S394 may beallowed again.

If comparing the sequence for the case where the temperature is abnormaland the sequence for the case where the power supply has deteriorated,it can be said that the condition for allowing charging or dischargestopped in STEP S382 again is more difficult to be satisfied than thecondition for allowing the series of operations stopped in STEP S394again is.

If comparing the sequence for the case where the temperature is abnormaland the sequence for the case where the power supply has deteriorated,charging or discharge stopped in STEP S382 is allowed again if theinhalation component generating device is left as it is. Meanwhile, itcan be said that the series of operations stopped in STEP S394 may beallowed again if the inhalation component generating device 100 is leftas it is.

As described above, if the first temperature range is appropriately set,the accuracy of SOH diagnosis improves, and it is possible to use thepower supply 10 for a longer time while securing safety. Therefore,energy saving effect is obtained.

Also, if the individual temperature ranges are appropriately set,deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed. Therefore, the lifeof the power supply 10 lengthens, and energy saving effect is obtained.

(b1) Detection of Connection of Charger or Others

With respect to charging control, detection of a connection of thecharger, and so on, various methods can be appropriately used, andhereinafter, examples of them will be described in brief. The chargingcontrol unit 250 (see FIG. 8) has the function of detecting an electricconnection between the electric circuit of the charger 200 and theelectric circuit of the power supply unit 110. The method of detectingan electric connection between them is not particularly limited, andvarious methods can be used. For example, a connection of the powersupply unit 110 may be detected by detecting the voltage differencebetween a pair of electric terminals 221 t.

In an embodiment, it is preferable that when the charger 200 and thepower supply unit 110 are connected, it should be possible to determineat least one of the type of the power supply unit 110 connected and thetype of the power supply 10 connected. In order to realize this, forexample, on the basis of a value related to the electric resistancevalue of the first resistor 150 (see FIG. 8), at least one of the typeof the power supply unit 110 and the type of the power supply 10provided in the power supply unit 110 may be determined. In other words,first resistors 150 having different electric resistance values may beprovided in different types of power supply units 110, respectively,such that it is possible to determine the type of a power supply unit110 or a power supply 10 connected. Also, a value related to theelectric resistance value of a first resistor may be the electricresistance value of the first resistor 150, or may be the amount ofvoltage drop of the first resistor 150 (a potential difference), or maybe the current value of the current passing through the first resistor150.

(b2) Charging Control

Now, charging control will be described. Hereinafter, an example inwhich the charging control unit 250 of the charger 200 controlsoperations will be described; however, as described above, in theconfiguration in which the inhalation component generating device 100has the function related to charging, the subject of control may be thecontrol circuit 50 provided in the device. FIG. 17 is a flow chartillustrating an example of a control method which is performed by thecharging control unit 250. First, in STEP S401, the charging controlunit detects a connection of the power supply unit 110 with the charger200.

After the connection is detected (in the case where the result of STEPS401 is “Yes”), subsequently, in STEP S402, the charging control unitacquires a value related to the electric resistance value of the firstresistor 150. The charging control unit may acquire values which aremeasurement objects, a plurality of times, on the occasion of thismeasurement, and obtain a final value using the moving average, simpleaverage, or weighted average of them on the basis of them.

Next, in STEP S403, the charging control unit determines whether it isnecessary to change predetermined control or it is OK to perform thepredetermined control, on the basis of the value related to the electricresistance value.

For example, in the case where the value related to the electricresistance value is out of a predetermined range, or in the case where apredetermined condition is not satisfied, the charging control unit maynot perform charging of the power supply 10. Meanwhile, in the casewhere the value related to the electric resistance value is in thepredetermined range, or in the case where the predetermined condition issatisfied, the charging control unit may perform charging. In otherwords, change of the predetermined control mentioned above includemaking change so as not perform the charging process. In this case, inthe case where it is determined that the power supply unit is abnormalor the power supply unit is not genuine, since charging current is nottransmitted, it is possible to suppress occurrence of an abnormity.

Also, besides, change of the predetermined control may be at least oneof change of the current value for charging, change of the chargingrate, and change of the charging time. As a specific example, in anembodiment, it is preferable to determine the type of the power supplyunit 110 or the power supply 10 on the basis of the value related to theelectric resistance value, such that it is possible to change the rateof charging current according to the determined type. In this case, forexample, it becomes possible to perform charging control on a powersupply 10 corresponding to quick charging with charging current with ahigh rate equal to or higher than 2 C, or perform normal chargingcontrol on a power supply 10 which does not correspond to quickcharging, with charging current with a low rate equal to or lower than 1C.

Next, in STEP S404, the charging control unit acquires the power-supplyvoltage value V_(batt). Subsequently, in STEP S405, the charging controlunit determines whether the acquired power-supply voltage value V_(batt)is equal to or larger than a predetermined switching voltage or not. Theswitching voltage is a threshold for separating a constant currentcharging (CC charging) section and a constant voltage charging (CVcharging) section, and although the specific numeric value of theswitching voltage is not particularly limited, it may be, for example,in the range between 4.0 V and 4.1 V.

In the case where the power-supply voltage value V_(batt) is smallerthan the switching voltage (the case where the result of STEP S405 is“No”), constant current charging (CC charging) is performed (STEP S406).In the case where the power-supply voltage value is equal to or largerthan the switching voltage (the case where the result of STEP S405 is“Yes”), constant voltage charging (CV charging) is performed (STEPS407). Also, in the constant voltage charging mode, as chargingprogresses, the power-supply voltage increases, and the differencebetween the power-supply voltage and the charging voltage decreases, socharging current decreases.

In the case where charging has started in the constant voltage chargingmode, in STEP S408, the charging control unit determines whether thecharging current is equal to or smaller than predetermined chargingcompletion current. Also, the charging current can be acquired by thecurrent sensor 230 provided in the charger 200. In the case where thecharging current is larger than the predetermined charging completioncurrent (the case where the result of STEP S408 is “No”), the chargingcontrol unit keeps charging in the constant voltage charging mode. Inthe case where the charging current is equal to or smaller than thepredetermined charging completion current (the case where the result ofSTEP S408 is “Yes”), the charging control unit determines that the powersupply 10 is fully charged, and stops charging (STEP S409).

Also, naturally, as the condition for stopping charging, besides thecharging current, the time from start of charging in the constantcurrent charging mode or start of charging in the constant voltagecharging mode, the power-supply voltage value, the power supplytemperature value, and so on may be used.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been describedabove with reference to the drawings, the present invention can beappropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

For example, in the flow chart of FIG. 14, basically, on the assumptionof the process which is performed by a single control circuit, in STEPS313, first, whether quick charging is possible (the fourth temperaturerange) is determined, and in the case where quick charging isimpossible, subsequently, in STEP S321, whether normal charging ispossible (the third temperature range) is determined. However, thecharger 200 may be configured to determine whether the power supplytemperature is in the fourth temperature range, and perform quickcharging in the case where the determination result is “Yes”, andperform normal charging in the case where the determination result is“No”.

(Additional Note)

This application discloses the following inventions, which are listed inthe following in the form of numbered items. Also, reference symbols andspecific numeric values are shown as references, but are not meant tolimit the present invention at all.

1. An inhalation component generating device comprising: a power supply;a load that evaporates or atomizes an inhalation component source bypower from the power supply; and a control circuit that performs controlbased on an output of a temperature sensor, wherein the control circuitperforms: a process (a) of calculating power supply temperature based onthe output of the temperature sensor; and a process (b1) of determiningwhether the power supply temperature is in a first temperature range,and performing deterioration diagnosis on the power supply only in acase where the power supply temperature is in the range.

According to this configuration, only in the case where the temperatureof the power supply is in the temperature range in which it is possibleto perform deterioration diagnosis, deterioration diagnosis isperformed. Therefore, for example, the influence of low temperature orhigh temperature on diagnosis is suppressed. Therefore, it is possibleto improve the accuracy of deterioration diagnosis.

2. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 1further comprising: a current sensor that outputs a charging/dischargecurrent value of the power supply or a voltage sensor that outputs anoutput voltage value of the power supply, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to perform the deterioration diagnosis based on an outputvalue of the current sensor or the voltage sensor at any one of a timingin a course of discharge of the power supply, a timing immediatelybefore discharge, a timing immediately after discharge, a timing in acourse of charging, a timing immediately before charging, and a timingimmediately after charging.

As described above, the present invention may perform deteriorationdiagnosis in the course of discharge.

3. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 2,wherein the control circuit is configured to perform a process (c1) ofdetermining whether the power supply temperature is in a secondtemperature range in which discharge of the power supply is allowed, orwhether the power supply temperature is in a third temperature range inwhich charging of the power supply is allowed, prior to the process(b1).

4. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 3,wherein the control circuit is configured to perform the process (b1)only in a case where the determination in the process (c1) is positive.

5. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 3,wherein the second temperature range or the third temperature range iswider than the first temperature range, and includes the firsttemperature range.

6. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in any one ofItems 1 to 5, wherein an upper limit temperature of the firsttemperature range is lower than a temperature at which change of astructure or composition of an electrode of the power supply mightoccur.

7. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in any one ofItems 3 to 6, wherein a lower limit temperature of the first temperaturerange is higher than a lower limit of the second temperature range, oris higher than a lower limit of the third temperature range.

8. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 7,wherein the control circuit is configured to be able to further performquick charging of the power supply only in a case where the power supplytemperature is in a fourth temperature range narrower than the thirdtemperature range.

9. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 7,wherein a lower limit temperature of the second temperature range ishigher than a temperature at which an electrolytic solution or ionicliquid contained in the power supply coagulates.

10. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 7,wherein a lower limit temperature of the third temperature range ishigher than a temperature at which electrocrystallization occurs on anelectrode of the power supply.

11. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 3 or 4,wherein an upper limit temperature of the first temperature range isequal to or higher than an upper limit of the second temperature range,or is equal to or higher than an upper limit of the third temperaturerange.

12. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in any one ofItems 1 to 11, wherein, in the process (a), the power supply temperatureis acquired by detecting temperature of the power supply, the powersupply temperature is estimated based on a value related to temperatureof the power supply, or temperature of an object other than the powersupply is detected, and the power supply temperature is estimated basedon the output value.

13. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in any one ofItems 1 to 12, further comprising: a power supply unit configured bystoring the power supply in a case; and a cartridge unit that isattached to the power supply unit so as to be exchangeable.

14. A control circuit for controlling at least some of functions of aninhalation component generating device including a power supply and aload for evaporating or atomizing an inhalation component source bypower from the power supply, wherein the control circuit is configuredto perform: a process (a) of calculating power supply temperature basedon an output of a temperature sensor; and a process (b1) of determiningwhether the power supply temperature is in a first temperature range,and performing deterioration diagnosis of the power supply only in acase where the power supply temperature is in the range.

15. A control method of an inhalation component generating deviceincluding a power supply, a load for evaporating or atomizing aninhalation component source by power from the power supply, and atemperature sensor, the control method comprising: a step (a) ofcalculating power supply temperature based on a detection result of thetemperature sensor; and a step (b1) of determining whether the powersupply temperature is in a first temperature range, and performingdeterioration diagnosis of the power supply only in a case where thepower supply temperature is in the range.

16. An inhalation component generating device comprising: a powersupply; a load that evaporates or atomizes an inhalation componentsource by power from the power supply; and a control circuit thatperforms control based on the basis an output of a temperature sensor,wherein the control circuit is configured to be able to perform aplurality of functions of changing a residual amount of the powersupply, including discharge, and determine whether to perform each ofthe plurality of functions, based on the output of the temperaturesensor, and a temperature range in which performance of the discharge isallowed is wider than temperature ranges in which the other functionsincluded in the plurality of functions are allowed.

17. A control method of an inhalation component generating device whichincludes a power supply, a load that evaporates or atomizes aninhalation component source by power from the power supply, and acontrol circuit that performs control based on an output of atemperature sensor and that can perform a plurality of functions ofchanging a residual amount of the power supply, including discharge, thecontrol method comprising: a step of determining whether to perform eachof the plurality of functions, based on the output of the temperaturesensor, wherein a temperature range in which performance of thedischarge is allowed is wider than temperature ranges in which the otherfunctions included in the plurality of functions are allowed.

18. An inhalation component generating device comprising: a powersupply; a load that evaporates or atomizes an inhalation componentsource by power from the power supply; and a control circuit thatperforms control based on an output of a temperature sensor, wherein thecontrol circuit is configured to be able to perform a plurality offunctions of changing a residual amount of the power supply, includingdeterioration diagnosis of the power supply, and determine whether toperform each of the plurality of functions, based on the output of thetemperature sensor, and a temperature range in which the deteriorationdiagnosis is allowed is narrower than temperature ranges in which theother functions included in the plurality of functions are allowed.

19. The inhalation component generating device disclosed in Item 15,further comprising: a current sensor that outputs a charging/dischargecurrent value of the power supply, or a voltage sensor that outputs anoutput voltage value of the power supply, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to perform the deterioration diagnosis based on an outputvalue of the current sensor or the voltage sensor at any one of a timingin a course of discharge of the power supply, a timing immediatelybefore discharge, a timing immediately after discharge, a timing in acourse of charging, a timing immediately before charging, and a timingimmediately after charging.

20. A control method of an inhalation component generating device whichincludes a power supply, a load that evaporates or atomizes aninhalation component source by power from the power supply, and acontrol circuit that performs control based on an output of atemperature sensor and that can perform a plurality of functions ofchanging a residual amount of the power supply, including deteriorationdiagnosis of the power supply, the control method comprising: a step ofdetermining whether to perform each of the plurality of functions, basedon the output of the temperature sensor, wherein a temperature range inwhich the deterioration diagnosis is allowed is narrower thantemperature ranges in which the other functions included in theplurality of functions are allowed.

21. A control program for making an inhalation component generatingdevice perform the control method disclosed in Item 15, 17, or 20.

This application also discloses, for example, inventions obtained bychanging some expressions in the contents disclosed as productinventions to expressions of methods, computer programs, and computerprogram media

What is claimed is:
 1. An inhalation component generating devicecomprising: a power supply; a load that evaporates or atomizes aninhalation component source by power from the power supply; and acontrol circuit that calculates power supply temperature based on anoutput of the temperature sensor, and that determines whether the powersupply temperature is in a first temperature range in which discharge ofthe power supply is allowed, and whether the power supply temperature isin a second temperature range in which charging of the power supply isallowed, wherein the first temperature range is different from thesecond temperature range, and only a part of the first temperature rangeis overlapped with the second temperature range.
 2. The inhalationcomponent generating device according to claim 1, wherein the powersupply temperature is acquired by detecting temperature of the powersupply, the power supply temperature is estimated based on a valuerelated to temperature of the power supply, or temperature of an objectother than the power supply is detected, and the power supplytemperature is estimated based on the output value.
 3. The inhalationcomponent generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: apower supply unit configured by storing the power supply in a case; anda cartridge unit that is attached to the power supply unit so as to beexchangeable.
 4. An inhalation component generating device comprising: apower supply; a load that evaporates or atomizes an inhalation componentsource by power from the power supply; and a control circuit thatcalculates power supply temperature based on an output of thetemperature sensor, the control circuit that determines whether thepower supply temperature is in a temperature range, and that performsdeterioration diagnosis or malfunction diagnosis on the power supplybased on an internal resistance of the power supply only in a case wherethe power supply temperature is in the temperature range.
 5. Theinhalation component generating device according to claim 4, furthercomprising: a current sensor that outputs a charging/discharge currentvalue of the power supply or a voltage sensor that outputs an outputvoltage value of the power supply, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to perform the deterioration diagnosis based on an outputvalue of the current sensor or the voltage sensor at any one of a timingin a course of discharge of the power supply, a timing immediatelybefore discharge, a timing immediately after discharge, a timing in acourse of charging, a timing immediately before charging, and a timingimmediately after charging.
 6. The inhalation component generatingdevice according to claim 4, wherein an upper limit temperature of thetemperature range is lower than a temperature at which change of astructure or composition of an electrode of the power supply mightoccur.
 7. The inhalation component generating device according to claim4, wherein the power supply temperature is acquired by detectingtemperature of the power supply, the power supply temperature isestimated based on a value related to temperature of the power supply,or temperature of an object other than the power supply is detected, andthe power supply temperature is estimated based on the output value. 8.The inhalation component generating device according to claim 4, furthercomprising: a power supply unit configured by storing the power supplyin a case; and a cartridge unit that is attached to the power supplyunit so as to be exchangeable.